WAEC Dragged to Court Over 8pm Exams, Faces ₦100 Billion Lawsuit

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education are in hot water following a lawsuit over claims that students were forced to sit for their English Language exam as late as 8pm under harsh and unsafe conditions during the ongoing 2025 WASSCE.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos by human rights lawyer Evans Ufeli, seeks ₦100 billion in damages for what he describes as the “degrading and traumatic” treatment of students. The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture—candidates allegedly writing papers in dimly lit halls, surrounded by insecurity and logistical disarray.

Ufeli, who is representing affected students, says the late-night exams not only violated the constitution but also posed serious risks to the mental well-being and safety of minors.

“This isn’t just poor planning—it’s a clear failure to protect the rights and dignity of children,” he said. “No child should be made to write an exam in fear or darkness.”

The suit is calling for several key actions: a fresh sitting of the affected exams, a public apology from WAEC and the ministry, and a court-mandated overhaul of the exam body’s planning and delivery systems. The legal action cites the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act, and international charters on human rights.

“This case goes beyond one paper. It’s about the systemic failure that continues to put young Nigerians at risk,” Ufeli added. “We can’t keep sacrificing children’s futures on the altar of incompetence.”

Reports from lawmakers, civil society groups, and eyewitness accounts back up the claims, pointing to late arrivals of exam materials and widespread confusion at several centers nationwide.

At the time of filing this report, the court has yet to assign a hearing date.

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